Bouncing Back from Back Surgery

If you suffer from severe allergies, then your primary care physician may refer you to an allergist for sensitivity testing. Allergies can cause nasal congestion, watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and rashes. Before your doctor can recommend a treatment plan to treat your condition, the offending allergen needs to be determined. While you are awaiting the results of your allergy tests, here are some simple interventions to consider that may help ease your symptoms.

Ventilate Your Home

Many people are allergic to dust, mold, or animal dander, so ventilating your home may help improve the air quality so that you become less symptomatic. Indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality, even on days when pollen and ragweed counts are high. If you have hidden mold inside your home, mold spores can pollute your indoor air, exacerbating allergy symptoms, while raising the risk for upper respiratory infections.

If you believe that you have poor indoor air quality, keep your doors and windows open. If it is cold outside, even cracking your windows slightly can promote cross-ventilation, improving your air quality. If you are unable to open your doors and windows, consider buying an air purifier. Many models are inexpensive and can rid your indoor air of allergy-causing particulates such as dust, smoke, animal fur, dander, and noxious fumes from household cleaners. 

Stay Hydrated

One of the most simple treatments you should consider if you have an allergy is staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of plain water. Water not only thins out thick nasal secretions so that your sinuses can drain properly, but it can also help dilute high levels of histamine that has been released into your bloodstream as a result of an allergic reaction.

It is important to note, that while drinking plain water may help improve your symptoms, consuming caffeinated beverages may worsen your allergies and even promote histamine release. If your doctor has prescribed a fluid-restrictive diet because of congestive heart failure or kidney disease, check with him or her before increasing your water intake. 

If you think you are suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your primary care physician for an initial physical examination. If warranted, he or she will refer you to an allergist to undergo skin prick testing to help identify what you are allergic to. Once the allergen or allergens have been revealed, your doctor will then develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.